Monday, May 15, 2006

Another Bird

I frequently quote (sometimes out loud, sometimes inwardly) the wonderful stanza from Emily Dickinson that begins: "Hope is the thing with feathers/that perches in the soul..." I've always loved that little poem.

Just recently found yet another bird stanza that speaks (or sings?!) volumes to my heart. Here is it, from Victor Hugo:

Be like the bird
Who, pausing in her flight
On limb too slight,
Feels it give way beneath her
Yet sings,
Knowing she hath wings.

That's the kind of singing I think I understand best right now.

2 comments:

Erin said...

I wasn't familiar with that second passage, but I agree it's great. Of course I did always like Victor Hugo...

Beth said...

Me too! And I really love this quote.